LAS VEGAS-"What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." However, the organizers of the ASNT Fall Conference and Quality Conference Testing Show, held Nov. 15 to 19 at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas, hope that the information and experiences at their event do go home with attendees.

The conference will host presenters from a broad spectrum of technical areas, from large structures to characterization of microstructure in materials. Sessions will cover nondestructive test (NDT) methods and techniques as such as radiography, ultrasonics, laser methods and leak testing, to components in aerospace and nuclear industry, bridges and roads. A panel discussion on NASA's efforts to return the space shuttle to flight will also be held.

The keynote speaker on Tuesday, Nov. 16, is Dr. R. Bruce Thompson from the Center for NDE at Iowa State University. Thompson will speak of the role of simulation in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) engineering. In this talk, the history of simulation tools will be discussed, followed by a summary of current capabilities and examples of applications, which range from the consideration of NDE in the design process to quantifying technique capability and its use in interpreting experimental data. In-cluded will be a discussion of key issues that must be addressed in the use of simulation tools, such as the needs for careful validation studies, correct determination of input parameters and education of operators.

The show floor promises to be crowded with the latest in NDT technology. More than 125 exhibitors will display the latest in eddy current, ultrasonics, dye-penetrant technology, X-ray analysis and more. To ensure that conference attendees will have the chance to see some of the technologies in the products available at the show, scheduled lunches and breaks will be held on the show floor. A welcome reception on the show floor will be held Monday, Nov. 15., from 5 to 8 p.m.

Regular exhibit hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17. Admission to the Quality Testing Show is free. Full conference registration is $525 for ASNT members and $625 for non-members. One-day registration is $245 for ASNT members and $295 for non-members. For complete information about the event, visit the ASNT Web site at www.asnt.org/events/ conferences/fc04/fc04.htm.